The Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of Tajikistan conducted an inspection following discussions on social media regarding the possession of wild animals by a resident of Istaravshan.
During the inspection, specialists reportedly found that the man had posted videos on social media featuring a fox cub and an owl.
According to the citizen himself, the animals were provided assistance after sustaining injuries, and after treatment, they were released into their natural habitat.
The inspection revealed that this resident of Istaravshan kept various species of birds without the necessary permits and without being registered with the state: the illegal possession of two rock partridges was established.
Administrative measures were taken against the citizen in accordance with the country’s legislation.
What exactly those measures were is not specified.
The Committee reported that after the inspection, the birds were released into their natural habitat.
It is noted that environmental protection officers conducted explanatory work with the citizen on the necessity of complying with the requirements of the legislation in the field of wildlife protection.
The Committee emphasized that issues of wildlife conservation and the prevention of illegal handling of animals are under constant control.
Earlier, Asia-Plus published a report on the possible illegal keeping of wild animals by a resident of Istaravshan. The publication was triggered by videos posted on the Instagram account of a user under the nickname umed_jigar.
The footage captured a fox cub tied to a chain. Additionally, a video of an owl was posted on the user’s page, which, according to comments under the post, might have been offered for sale.
Animal rights activists then called on law enforcement and relevant environmental services to check this account for potential illegal possession and trade of wildlife objects.
The editorial office of Asia-Plus also appealed to law enforcement and relevant environmental services, urging them to check this account for possible illegal trade of wild animals and birds, and to provide a legal assessment of these actions.
